"...When you did it to one of the least of these, you were doing it to me."

Help us help them

TIRANA STAFF

Perparim Demcellari: In-Country President

Perparim has worked with HFTW since 1999, first as a coordinator, than as a vice president and, since 2002, as the in-country president of HFTW – Albania. Both he and his family have been saved since 1993.

Perparim is married and has two children; a daughter Viola and son Andi. Perparim and his wife, Aferdita are also happy to have two grandchildren. Perparim has a Bachelors in Economics and finished the Military Academy where he specialized in logistics. He served in the Albanian Army for 27 years, achieving the rank of Colonel.

Ledina Rabdishta: Executive Assistant

With a B.A. in Social Science and a Masters in Communication, Ledina came to us in 2014 from the largest film company in Albania. In her own words:

"I thank God for the opportunity to work now for a Christian organization. As such I also have the privilege of being a sponsorship coordinator and Bible Teacher for the children both in the orphanage of Tirana, and at the Hope Center in Marikaj.

I opened my heart and invited Christ as my Savior when I was 10 years old. Three years later I was baptized. I am still a member of New Hope Baptist Church where I try to be faithful with my attendance and my service for God.

Margarita Gjoni: Educator

Margarita has worked for Hope for the World since 1998. She has been an educator during this time as well as a general director of the Hope Center for teens ages 14 - 18. Prior to accepting Christ as her Savior and coming to work for Hope for the World in 1998, she was a high school teacher for 17 years. She came to know Christ in 1999.

Pam Arney: Missionary & Caregiver

"Each year new students come to stay at the center with us. We are a family here, providing all that they need. My time is spent teaching English and giving devotions, helping with homework, sewing and mending for them, encouraging them and teaching them basic ways to take care of themselves. Our goal for them is to give them a solid Biblical foundation and also the necessary skills to care for themselves when they leave the center. We have seen many come to Christ and some who have not made the decision yet. But the seed is planted and we trust God to continue to work out His plan in their lives as they step out our doors and into the future plans He has for them.

As for me, God has given me a full life here. In addition to work at the Hope Center, I have been blessed with the privilege of home schooling two missionary kids and also working with Kids Clubs in Tirana and Marikaj. This is my home now and if it is the Lord’s will, I will continue to live and work here until He calls me Home."

Sokrat Taihira: Driver

It takes a good driver in the country of Albania to transport us safely from place to place, and Sokrat is the best! We are fortunate to have him on our staff. He is also in charge of maintenance on the two vehicles in Tirana, making sure everything is in "good shape"... especially the brakes! He has a beautiful wife, Diana and two pretty daughters. Sokrat has been with us as a driver since 2002. We are truly blessed to have this born-again believer on our staff in Tirana.

Albana Lika: Caregiver & Cook

A former teacher, Albana is a part of our staff at the new Hope for the World Center, lending her gifts in helping our teens prepare for their future. She also works in the kitchen and whips up breakfasts like you wouldn't believe!

Since coming to Hope for the World she has become a Christian and believes in God with her whole heart and knows that through Him, her life has been changed. We are blessed to have Albana as a part of our hope for the World family.

Teuta Korra: Caregiver

Teuta came up through the orphanages and we are blessed to have her as a part of our staff. She accepted Christ as her Savior back in 1994 when Hope for the World first began working with the teenagers in the orphanages She loves the Lord and has been faithful to Christ and to her church. It is just a joy to have her working with us. She helps in many different areas at our teen center, but she is especially responsible for staying In the teen center and watching over them at night.

Ramiz "Tuku" Daja:

Tuku came to HFTW through the mission organization that previously owned the property we purchased in 2010 as our Hope for the World Center. He was on the staff of that Christian organization “God Loves Albania” from 1993-2010, in maintenance. He has years of experience in maintaining the buildings, the property and the equipment in our buildings. He is also a very good driver and we use him in that capacity as well. We are blessed to have this sweet and God-like man on our staff, but it is our teens who are truly blessed to have him around.

Rami Subashi: Security

Aside from keeping our teens and staff safe day and night, Rami keeps himself constantly busy around the Hope Center, working in the garden or cleaning outside and is so wonderful to our teens and takes them around town on special trips.

He is also faithful to our community church services and helps Perparim gather men for Bible class in Marikaj. He is never shy or embarrassed to share invitations to different activities at Hope Center. His nephews are faithful to our kids program, and usually win the competitions we have like memorizing Bible verses.

Rami is among very few men that will bring his wife and mom to services at the Hope Center. Many Albanian men are fanatics about keeping their wives at home, and we are so glad Rami is helping us make a positive impact on this community.

Anila Nano: Janitorial Services

Anila was a chef and housemaid in many homes in Albania before coming to us. We are blessed to have this very friendly lady on our staff, always smiling and doing everything she can to help. Anila is great with the teens and teaches them how to clean and take care of themselves around the house. She also helps us out in the kitchen, and is always available to pitch in with any activities or services we hold at the Hope Center.